The Longest Shortest Time

EPISODE #107: The New You … It’ll Do (UPDATE)

This is an updated episode, with new content at the end. Scroll to the bottom of this post to see what’s in the update.

Erin Breen loves singing karaoke. It’s her *thing*. Here she is, singing “Don’t Stop Believin'” at her wedding.

But then, Erin had a baby and something completely unexpected happened: her voice changed. And she lost her ability to sing.

Listen to this episode to find out what this identity change means to Erin. Plus, Jane Marie returns to talk about postpartum body changes, and how you’re supposed to feel like YOU when those changes don’t change back.

As a beauty blogger, Jane is on a mission to make all women feel good in their bodies. For her, after becoming a mom, that meant figuring out what clothes made her feel good … or good enough.

To make herself feel more like herself in labor, Jane got a French manicure and eyelash extensions.

But that’s Jane. We’ve all got different ways of feeling like ourselves. And different ways we’ve changed.

UPDATE: Erin, in fact, has changed once more, thanks to you guys! The first time we aired Erin’s story, Erin got a lot of love in the comments. The support poured in, with other moms telling Erin they’d had something similar happen. Several people said, Hey, Erin, you’ve gotta go see a doctor. One person in particular worked at the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center—which is right where Erin lives. She encouraged Erin to come in and get checked out. Which she did.

Thanks to UPMC, Erin’s gotten more comfortable with her voice. So comfortable that she’s got a surprise for you in this episode!

How did YOU change after becoming a parent?
And I don’t just mean physically. And I don’t just mean moms. Or people who have given birth. Tell us what hasn’t gone back. And what you’ve done about it.

Photo of Erin: Devon John; photo of Jane with beer: Michael Cohen

Our sponsors for this episode are Aeroflow Breastpumps, Third Love, Olive & Cocoa, Toca TV (CODE: longshort) and Yogi Teas. Use the promo codes at checkout for a special discount.